On 10 October 2022, manager Steve Bruce was sacked after winning only 1 from their opening 13 league games, leaving the club in the relegation places.

The season also saw increased scrutiny of the club's ownership, and the practices of majority shareholder Guochuan Lai.

[4][5] The club's financial situation began to receive national media attention, having already been commented on frequently in local press.

[6] Supporter action groups and in-stadium protests by fans to raise awareness of the club's off-field issues took shape during the season.

[56] On June 17, the Baggies announced a 10-day training camp in Portimão, which included a behind-closed-doors meeting with Leyton Orient.